The big news: Modi says there is no deficit of currency in India, and nine other top stories
The Lok Sabha speaker called for an all-party meeting ahead of the Parliament Session, and Donald Trump vowed not to draw a salary as United States President.
A look at the headlines right now:
- Poor enjoying sound sleep, rich seeking sleeping pills, says Narendra Modi on demonetisation: The prime minister emphasised that there was no deficit of currency in India, and said the real problem lay in where all the money is.
- Lok Sabha Speaker, BJP-NDA call meetings, anticipating a fiery Winter Session of Parliament: The month-long Parliament forum is expected to be a tumultuous one as Opposition leaders are up in arms over the Centre’s demonetisation move.
- Donald Trump makes two senior White House appointments, vows to forgo president’s salary: Republican National Committee head Reince Priebus will be his chief of staff, and campaign manager and media figure Stephen Bannon will be his chief adviser.
- Recalibrated ATMs to dispense Rs 2,000 notes by tomorrow, says economic secretary: Shaktikanta Das said there would be enough cash and more recalibrated ATMs soon, and reiterated the Centre’s call to not panic.
- Congress leaders declare Amarinder Singh their CM candidate for Punjab Assembly elections: The party’s high command has not yet made any formal announcement.
- Jammu and Kashmir board exams begin today, officials assure public of adequate arrangements: The annual tests will take place amid the burning of schools by arsonists, curfews, protests, and strikes sponsored by separatist organisations.
- Two killed after powerful earthquakes in New Zealand trigger tsunamis: Authorities have lifted the tsunami warning, but locals have been warned to steer clear of the water.
- Collegium lists seven high court chief justices to fill Supreme Court vacancies: The move comes as the judiciary and Centre continue to work on a memorandum of procedure for the appointment of judges.
- ‘I have taken a rebirth’, says Jayalalithaa in first statement from hospital: The Tamil Nadu chief minister’s letter to party members comes days before the elections and by-elections four constituencies in the state.
- Police in Nepal arrest 223 Communist party workers during nationwide strike on food subsidies: A spokesperson for the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist called on the country’s government to make essential items ‘affordable for the public’.
